Payroll Courses and Classes Overview

Learning how to process payroll can result in a certificate or degree. Find out specifics on these education paths, and see descriptions of courses commonly found in this field.

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Essential Information

Payroll classes are open to several demographics, including those seeking entry-level work, experienced professionals and individuals preparing for optional certification. Classes are usually available through degree programs in accounting, human resource management and business administration at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree level. Some courses are also offered through certificate programs or as individual classes intended for professional advancement.

List of Courses

Here are examples of payroll topics featured in certificate and degree programs related to payroll.

Payroll Systems Course

Often divided into different tracks, payroll systems courses are a must for anyone responsible for complicated personnel processing systems. These courses provide instruction on how to deal with the variety of unique situations that occur within a larger payroll system.

Through this course, students learn how to generate reports on payroll functions necessary for various regulatory and management tasks. Students are also introduced to leave accrual and hiring or separation policies. Some courses also cover the unique payroll requirements of non-resident workers.

Payroll Accounting Course

Payroll courses in accounting are designed to allow students to compute potential employee wages and salaries and the amount withheld for income tax, unemployment compensation and social security. Students gain hands-on experience preparing the proper tax forms so they can help clients. Likewise, students track payroll records so they can fully grasp how much money goes into paying employees.

Payroll Administration Course

Payroll courses at the administrative-level begin by addressing taxation methods, including the filing of forms W-2, W-3 and 941. In these payroll courses, students will study advanced topics in involuntary deductions, third-party sick pay reports, and the taxation of non-monetary benefits.

Student will be involved in many hands-on demonstrations with a variety of payroll systems as part of the course's curriculum. These courses also discuss the relationship of payroll on other departments within a business system, such as human resources.

As part of the management aspect of such payroll courses, students will learn how to manage the costs of operating a payroll department, including hiring policies, methods for increasing payroll efficiency and new payroll technologies.

Labor Redistribution and Processing Course

When employees are sick or work overtime, it's necessary to adjust pay to reflect those changes. Through this course, students learn how to do that easily. Making any necessary changes to the workflow, while still doing the most possible is important. Scenarios where it's necessary to adjust the schedule so more or fewer people are working is a hands-on opportunity for learning, often coupled with exercises in readjusting the schedule properly and making sure employees and employers are notified in a timely manner.